WILLIAMSON COUNTY -- Mike and Cindy Taylor were pulling in to the boat ramp at Little Grassy Lake on Wednesday just before sunset, smiling as they unloaded a white cooler with the day's catch.
"It's all hers today," said Mike grinning, as Cindy opened the cooler to display a nice batch of good-sized crappie.
The couple, retired and living at the Lake of Egypt, are just two are residents looking forward to the reopening of several areas of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.
Officials announced earlier this week that the CONWR would begin a gradual reopening of the campgrounds and marinas, with some limitations.
As of June 4, Blue Heron and Little Grassy Campgrounds & Marinas as well as the Crab Orchard Marina will be open.
The Crab Orchard Lake Campground is scheduled to reopen on June 11.
The Devils Kitchen Lake Campground, Crab Orchard Lake Beach, and Visitor Center will remain closed until further notice.
With the increased access to the refuge, comes increased responsibility, especially in light of the current coronavirus pandemic. The health and safety of our employees, contractors, volunteers and the visiting public remain our highest priority. While visiting recreation areas, visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing and other COVID-19 safety precautions required and recommended by local, state and federal authorities.
There are some changes in place at the campground.
Campers are encouraged to use any self-contained restroom in their own camper and only limited showers are available. Tent camping is not allowed and no outside visitors may be at any campsite.
Also, if anyone in the party is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, they are asked to remain at home.
For information, contact officials at (618) 997-3344 or visit online at craborchard@fws.gov.
The Taylors both said they are looking forward to camping, a favorite pastime in their retirement.
"Tonight we are going to clean fish," said Mike.
